October Newsletter

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October Newsletter 2011

Investing in Green Jobs Can Revive the Economy

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“ A nation that destroys its soil destroys itself. The forests are the lungs of our lands, purifying our air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

During the 1920's, one of FDR's main issues was stopping the destruction of our national resources. His own Hyde Park estate had been destroyed by the abuse of his forebearers, before he took over management of it in the 1910's.   To restore the land, he planted 20,000 to 50,000 trees a year. By 1945 he had planted more than 400,000 trees in all. In his last year as governor of New York, he had hired 10,000 unemployed people to work on reforestation.   

This effort was scorned by Hoover and the Republicans.  

During the first hundred days of his administration, after the banking crisis was under control, Roosevelt sent a request to Congress to create the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).   The basis of the Civilian Conservation Corps was to employ young men and to start a natural resource conservation program.   It was established after vicious attacks by both the Republicans and Democrats.  Over it's nine year existence it employed 2.5 million men.  Because of this experience, many men developed a respect for nature and conservation, along with job training and further education.

The hard economic times now present are very similar to what Roosevelt experienced as president.   The unemployment rate is unacceptably high, with people out of work for many months and even years.  Now, we also have new college graduates who are unable to find jobs, about 44%.  With the increase in tuition costs and the prospect of jobs after graduation bleak, it creates even more anxiety in the population.

By following in Roosevelt's footsteps, the government should create conservation jobs.   We can create solar and wind stations to create energy, or planning groups for reforestation or land restoration.  These programs will give people hope in the economy, along with creating a more sustainable environment. 

The government needs to act now, by creating conservation and other green jobs so we can put people back to work.  This can be started by creating a tax for carbon based fuels, and directing that money to produce jobs in conservation and renewable energy.   By making the focus on job creation it can put more pressure on conservatives in Congress to vote for it.   Perhaps we could call it the “jobs creation investment”.  

REDISTRICTING CREATES 7 NEW POTENTIAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

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ILLINOIS 

Illinois' redistricting plan has redrawn three new districts without incumbents. We must ensure these 

Democrats are progressive Democrats. 

8  th:        NW Chicago Suburbs:  

This district includes the edge city of Schaumburg, and has a large South Asian population. In 2008, 

Obama received 62% of the vote in the area now covered by the district. 

10  th:      North Chicago Suburbs:  

This district covers the Lake Michigan shore from just north of Chicago north to the Wisconsin border. 

It contains the city of Waukegan. In 2008 Obama received 62% of the vote in these areas. 

11  th:    West/Southwest Chicago Suburbs :  

This district covers far west and southwest suburbs of Chicago, including the edge cities of Aurora and 

Naperville.  There is a large Hispanic population in the district.  In 2008, Obama received 61% of the 

vote in the area now covered by this district. 

CALIFORNIA 

California;s new plan, was drawn by an initiative-directed, bi-partisan committee consisting of 5 

Democrats, 5 Republicans, and 5 members drawn from other political groups. The new districts' 

boundaries have resulted in more Democratic leanings in districts 3, 26, 41 and 52, and can expect to 

result in the ouster of Republicans Gallegly, Dreier, Miller and Bilbray. Republicans are contesting the 

results but a final vote by the committee will be taken on August 16th. Defined maps and descriptions 

will be available soon after this vote.

Second Dip? Ya' think?

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Do we really need an economist to tell us that things are bad and getting worse for the middle-class and small businesses? We all experience it long before economists acknowledge WHAT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED. Economists look to the past for the GDP to drop for the last two quarters. That's a bit late to save those who are already drowning.

So we need jobs . . . right now. We can't wait for the Super Committee to act on their commitment to cut the budget. Really, do we have any hope that they will fix anything? Their plans will only make things worse. We need to get on the phone, e-mail, and write our representatives to act now. We all have our issues with the president's bill, but we need something done now. We need our political will heard now.

And we need to continue our work to replace these Tea Party crazies with progressives who will do what is needed for the people.  The extremist Republicans have led us into this situation with their policies that gave everything away to the big banks and businesses and burdened the people with their tax loopholes and deregulations of fiscal and environmental regulations.

You all know how strongly I feel about this and that I can go on about it forever.  But I have districts to evaluate and prospective candidates to meet. If you can help us on our mission, you can contribute on-line at dapac.org or by sending a check to DAPAC, 15600 NE 8th St, B1,931, Bellevue, WA 98008. As always, feel free to call me at 206-382-0222. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Tom Cramer

President

DAPAC